U.S. Navy investigator to discuss terrorism Sept. 27 at URI
Lecture part of URIs Forensic Science Seminar Series

KINGSTON, R.I., -- September 21, 2001 -- The University of Rhode Islands Forensic Science Seminar Series turns its attention to terrorism on Thursday, Sept. 27, at 4 p.m. in Pastore Hall on the Kingston Campus.

Special Agent Jeffrey H. Norwitz of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service will discuss "Perspectives on Terrorism" from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The lecture in Pastore, Room 124 is free and open to the public.

"As America struggles with trying to understand the tragic events of Sept. 11, the government is busy devising a new strategy to deal with terrorism," Norwitz said in a preview of his talk. "The news speaks of investigative efforts to identify the dead terrorists, potential conspirators, and Herculean undertakings to collect evidence pointing to culpability."

Norwitz also said the country watches paradoxical reporting about possible military responses and troop deployment "Which is it? Is terrorism a crime to be fought with search warrants and judicial procedure, or is it an act of war as President Bush has affirmed?"

Norwitz said his presentation will examine old paradigms about terrorism and offer a perspective on how legal and military solutions should be viewed.

Norwitz is a civilian special agent with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. He has 27 years of law enforcement experience at the local, state, and federal levels. He also served as an officer in the U.S. Army. His most recent assignment was as supervisory special agent for counterintelligence in New England.

After graduating from the U.S. Naval War College with a masters degree in strategic studies, Norwitz joined the faculty of the Naval War College this year and teaches National Security Decision-Making.